loving the mommy thing

My Littlest Teacher

2012-02-04T19:15:00.005-06:00

Aubrey "reading" to her imaginary students.

She spends hours in her room playing school and teaching her students, and her favorite thing to do is read to them. She is quite the teacher. I am always amazed at how many of her students need to be repremanded. I hear a lot of myself in her scolding, which kind of makes me sad. I have never been allowed to join her class, but snuck this picture one day. What a cutie.

Are You Still Out There?

2012-01-24T21:34:00.007-06:00

Do I have any faithful readers left? I know it has been a day or two (or 21) since my last post. I assure you I am still here and haven't forgotten about you!

We have been busy doing much of the same as usual. We have recouped from Christmas break (although the tree and all decorations may not have been put away yet). The kids are back in the swing of school, and our time off is a faded memory. I can't believe January is almost over. At this rate Christmas will be here again by tomorrow. I might as well leave the tree up...

Austin is still playing basketball, the season runs through February. He is enjoying it and getting better with every game. They have only won two games so far, but are having a lot of fun. Austin has started baseball practice as well, just batting practice until the weather gets nice enough to play outside. Although I can't complain too loudly about the weather this winter so far, only a handful of days have been below freezing. We did get some snow one morning, covered the ground and was gone by lunch.

Baseball season is going to be busy. Austin's team is going to be doing a lot more tournaments, so most weekends will be filled with those. And Aubrey is going to play as well with some of the little sisters of Austin's teammates. I think I am more excited than she is!

I will try very hard to post more often. It was actually on my list of resolutions, but as you know, I really am not very good at keeping those...

Austin's basketball tournament 2nd place trophy. Somehow winning one game got them second place in their division...go figure.

Here is how Aubrey enjoys her brother's games...

All Dressed Up

2012-01-03T14:25:00.016-06:00

Austin and Aubrey got new fancy outfits from Grandma and Papa for Christmas. And boy do they look GORGEOUS in them!!! It isn't very often you will see my kids this spiffed up...

Lookin' cool

Smooches from Aubrey.

Christmas Highlights

2012-01-02T12:59:00.000-06:00

Here are just a few highlights from our Christmas Vacation this year...Cookies and milk for Santa, and a little something extra from Austin.
Austin's gift from Aubrey; a Harry Potter Sticker book. She picked it our herself, and paid for it with her own money. And, she kept it a secret, which we didn't think she could do. She was so proud of herself. She even came up with the idea of "tricking" him by telling him she got him Football stuff.
Aubrey's gift from Austin, also picked out and bought with his own money. He got her 3 Lincoln penny books to start her own penny collection, with a big bag of pennies to go through. She is already well on her way to a full collection!
Austin and Aubrey in their chef attire. Santa got them each the apron/hat/oven mitts as well as some of their own utensils and something yummy to cook. Austin already made his cookies, they didn't last long around here.
Aubrey helped daddy make a banana cream pie. Here she is getting ready to lick the spoon...
Austin helped daddy make a coconut cream pie. What a handsome chef!
Aubrey wearing Papa's boots. She had a hard time walking in them.

The kids were so excited they got a Wii this year. Here they are bowling. Aubrey has already bowled a 211, and Austin's high score is a 257. Not gonna tell you what mine is, but I will say it is no where close to theirs... We took Grandma and Papa to the zoo one day over break, because it was SO NICE. And because we needed to walk off some of the yummy pies. Grandma and Papa at the zoo. Papa spent many hours helping Austin do Lego's.
Grandma helping Aubrey create a beautiful picture.
We also got to see Austin play a lot of Basketball as he was in a tournament with his team. I would like to say they did well, but they had a few rough games. They are learning though, and having a blast so I guess that is what really matters! We have had a wonderful Christmas vacation, and I am very sad tomorrow is our last day of break.
Back to the grind...

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T20:28:00.007-06:00

From Our House to Yours...

Merry Christmas!

Checking In...

2011-12-18T19:11:00.009-06:00

I promise I haven't forgotten this blog and my few faithful readers! It has just been a crazy past few weeks getting ready for Christmas around here. Update to come soon.
But tonight, I will just leave you with a few pictures of my two goofy kids.

Posing for the Christmas card...this one didn't make the cut. It was tempting though.

This is a good one. Gorgeous kiddos. They are my joy.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 30

2011-11-30T21:37:00.001-06:00

Thankful most of all for God, and all of the blessings He has placed in my life. And thankful these 30 days of blogs are done, for another year anyway!

30 Days of Thanks, Day 29

2011-11-29T21:24:00.000-06:00

Thankful Christmas is almost here and that I have a good jump on my Christmas shopping.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 28

2011-11-28T22:10:00.002-06:00

Thankful, as always, for my wonderful parents. I am the person I am today because of them, and I don't know what I would do without their love and support. I love you guys!

30 Days of Thanks, Day 27

2011-11-27T20:52:00.000-06:00

Thankful my little girl learned to tie her shoes over the long weekend! (Now just have to make sure we get up an extra 5 minutes early to get ready for school.) Especially thankful to her big brother who was patient and helped her learn. Love my kiddos.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 26

2011-11-26T21:57:00.003-06:00

Thankful for long naps on days when we have nowhere to be but home. Thankful also for leftover turkey sandwiches. And mashed potatoes. And gravy. Oh and stuffing too. And can't forget the pie. Not so much the pie but the cool whip that I drown it in. Yum.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 25

2011-11-25T23:23:00.002-06:00

Thankful that I had the energy today to get all of my Christmas stuff out, the tree up and decorated and the boxes put back in the garage. Mostly thankful that I have my littles to help decorate the tree, at least the lower half. They make Christmas magical again. (And thankful they don't mind that I do a little "re-organizing" of the ornaments once they are done.)

30 Days of Thanks, Day 24

2011-11-24T18:15:00.000-06:00

Thankful for a clean house. Add thankful I got to sit and enjoy it for about 30.5 minutes before the little ones in the house made their first mess in it. But most of all I am thankful for the messes.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 23

2011-11-23T23:22:00.001-06:00

Thankful for beer. Yummy.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 22

2011-11-22T21:00:00.002-06:00

Thankful for fantasy football. This is our third year playing with our Red Sox friends, and it sure makes football season a lot more fun. And thankful I am in first place in my division (for a minute anyway)!

30 Days of Thanks, Day 21

2011-11-21T22:58:00.001-06:00

Thankful tomorrow is my last day of work for 5 whole days!! I am looking forward to the time off, having a few playdates, eating some good food and (hopefully) getting Christmas decorations put up.

Basketball

2011-11-21T19:25:00.004-06:00

Austin is playing basketball with his baseball team. Our team name for basketball is the All Stars instead of the Bulldogs though. He has been so excited to play. His coach has said that he is by no means a basketball coach, but that they were going to try their best and have some fun. And really the goal is to stay in shape for baseball...

We had our first two games this weekend. We tied in the first (10-10), and won the second (10-1), in some high scoring, action packed games. It was so much fun to watch, and very hard to keep from yelling at them. It brought back a flood of memories from my days on the court, and hearing my mom over the crowd.

Our boys did awesome, Austin included. He made a basket in each game, got a few rebounds, had some great assists and was sent to the free throw line once too. Here is one of his very impressive baskets. The boys have a lot to learn about double dribbling, traveling, fouling, shooting and passing, throwing it in and every other aspect of the game, but for most of them it is their first time playing. So all in all they did pretty darn good.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 20

2011-11-20T21:56:00.001-06:00

Thankful for Austin's baseball team. We made the right choice in playing with the Bulldogs. They not only live and breathe baseball, but also play basketball and indoor soccer as a team as well. He is forming what I hope are lasting friendships with his teammates, who have pretty cool parents too. Looking forward to many years of sports.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 19

2011-11-19T21:53:00.002-06:00

Thankful for the motivation to finally do some much needed fall cleaning. And especially thankful for my little helpers (and a big one) who pitched in to get this place looking not so disgusting.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 18

2011-11-18T21:52:00.001-06:00

Thankful for my kids' school, their teachers and the friends I have made through PTA. There are still a handful of really good people who care truly care about kids. Austin and Aubrey's teachers are wonderful and have made learning fun for them. I am thankful they both love going to school (mostly).

30 Days of Thanks, Day 17

2011-11-17T21:14:00.001-06:00

Thankful tomorrow is Friday...

30 Days of Thanks, Day 16

2011-11-16T21:12:00.001-06:00

Thankful for popcorn and movie nights in the middle of the week.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 15

2011-11-15T20:59:00.004-06:00

Thankful for gorgeous fall days, Sonic fun drinks and trips to the park.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 14

2011-11-14T19:41:00.002-06:00

Oh so very thankful that Aubrey's very first trip to the dentist went well and that she has no cavities. Austin has been telling her for months how much fun it is to go to the dentist (mostly because he gets to pick out a prize from the treasure chest), but Aubrey has been very nervous about going. She did great. And Austin got a good report from the dentist too!

30 Days of Thanks, Day 13

2011-11-13T22:13:00.002-06:00

Thankful for the diverse group of friends I have who make me laugh, who keep me grounded, who are my support, who are my family in Oklahoma. Thankful I have good people here who are not only a part of my life, but my childrens' lives as well.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 12

2011-11-12T21:00:00.000-06:00

Thankful for Saturday nights at home with the kids, playing board games and getting beat by daddy (who else?).

30 Days of Thanks, Day 11

2011-11-11T21:15:00.000-06:00

Thankful as always for the courageous men and women who defend this country's freedom, past and present. God bless our military and their families.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 10

2011-11-10T20:40:00.002-06:00

Thankful for warm chocolate chip cookies before bed, giggles from my littles, and milk mustache kisses.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 9

2011-11-09T20:28:00.002-06:00

Thankful for hand-me-down clothes from Aubrey's best friend. I rarely have to buy her any thing to wear. And for those times when I do, I am thankful I discovered the thrift stores where I find many treasures for next to nothing.

Oklahoma...

2011-11-08T20:22:00.000-06:00

30 Days of Thanks, Day 8

2011-11-08T20:07:00.002-06:00

Thankful that I have a good job with great co-workers who have become good friends. Work is never dull, even when I have no work to do. I look forward to Friday night happy hour with my girls.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 7

2011-11-07T20:06:00.001-06:00

Thankful for nights when I get to go to bed at 8pm.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 6

2011-11-06T17:22:00.002-06:00

Thankful to have my little man in my life, who can always make me smile with his silliness. He is such a great big brother, who loves to make his sister laugh (and cry too sometimes). He is smart and wonderful and sensitive and caring, and I love him oh so much.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 5

2011-11-05T22:58:00.003-05:00

Thankful that I have my little girl to share some things with me that my little boy just wouldn't without being forced (such as going to the play Beauty and the Beast with me, going shopping, cuddling up to watch Winnie and The Pooh). I am so very blessed to have as my bestest friend such a smart, independent, ornery, sweet, giggly, beautiful, stubborn, cuddly and perfect little girl.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 4

2011-11-04T19:13:00.002-05:00

Thankful for Harry Potter. I discovered these magical books 12 yrs ago, and fell in love immediately. I can't count the number of times I have read them. But most of all, thankful that my littles have fallen in love with Harry Potter too. They enjoy their nightly bedtime trip to Hogwarts with their daddy, and we all enjoy cuddling up with popcorn on movie night after each book is finished.

30 Days Of Thanks, Day 3

2011-11-03T21:09:00.002-05:00

Thankful for DVR that records all of my shows, so that I don't miss anything when I fall asleep at 8pm. And I love that I can fast forward through all of the commercials.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 2

2011-11-02T20:35:00.001-05:00

Thankful my husband discovered the Food Network Channel. Because even though I know he only watches Giada for her "smile", he has become a pretty good cook.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 1

2011-11-01T21:41:00.002-05:00

Thankful that Halloween only comes once a year, that the candy will be gone soon and that the sugar high, glassy eyes of my children will return to normal once again. Here's to hoping I don't gain any pounds helping to get rid of the goods.

The Zombie and the Witch

2011-10-30T20:03:00.020-05:00

Once upon a time there was a little zombie boy named Austin, who had a diva witch sister named Aubrey. They were the cutest zombie and witch in the neighborhood. Oh how Austin loved to go out and scare his friends. Aubrey on the other hand, was doing good to just not be scared of her brother the zombie. Because he was so scary that he made his best little friend cry and hide behind the truck when they went to a Halloween party at his best friend's house. But after much coaxing and pleading, his best friend finally came out to see that, although Austin did in fact look scary, he was the same old Austin. And so they had a wonderful time playing and eating candy, and bobbing for apples. The zombie and the witch are looking forward to more adventures tomorrow night when they will go trick-or-treating, filling their buckets with yummy candy. Their mommy is looking forward to watching them enjoy Halloween, and eating all of their candy.

The Zombie...

And the Diva Witch, with Attitude.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-22T18:50:00.019-05:00

I have been telling Aubrey for months that in Pre-K she would get to go on a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It is one of the "bribes" I used to get her excited about going to her new school with her brother. Austin got to got when he was in Pre-K, and every year since then the Pre-K class has gone. She and I have been looking forward to it since school started. She has been wanting to ride the ponies and pet the animals. So last week I found out that the field trip has been cut this year. I was saddened. But I couldn't let my little girl down. So since the kids had fall break on Thursday and Friday, (and I had a day off too, whoo hoo!) and the weather was GORGEOUS, we decided to have out own field trip to the pumpkin patch...

Once we were in line to ride the ponies, Aubrey started crying and decided she didn't want to ride them. I had to put my mommy foot down and make her ride. She was glad I did. She wanted to ride again.

Petting the Bull. Both were a little leery of this guy. They enjoyed the goats the best, and then the llamas.

Walking the corn maze.

Count Austin-u-la and his bride.

Picking out the perfect pumpkin to paint.

My beautiful kiddos.

Austin's Pitching Debut

2011-10-10T19:21:00.006-05:00

Austin has had the opportunity to play a few games of baseball on a kid pitch team, filling in for a friend of our coach. He has had a blast getting to lead off, steal home and try to hit off of a "real" pitcher. He was even given the opportunity to pitch an inning, and for his first time did pretty dang good! He threw 49 pitches total, had two strike outs (both swinging), walked 4 batters (but didn't plunk any of them) and gave up 6 hits. Not bad for his first outing. He had a ball! I think he had almost as much fun as his daddy and I did watching him.

His very first pitch, a little wild but he got the hang of it!

Strike Three!!!!

Too Quiet

2011-10-03T10:33:00.000-05:00

Usually when it is too quiet in my house it means someone (Austin and/or Aubrey) is getting into trouble. But sometimes, I find this...

Day Off

2011-10-01T11:30:00.019-05:00

Yesterday we had the whole day off of school and work. We tried to make the most of it.
So we... ate ice cream cones at McDonalds,

sat in a tree so mommy could take a picture,

fed the ducks at the lake.

Austin may or may not have been trying to peg them with the bread.

We practiced our baseball, mostly hitting. Aubrey got some instruction from big brother, mostly against her will.

But look at that form!

We also found mushrooms growing in our yard,

and wrote a message for daddy in sidewalk chalk.

Not a bad way to spend a day off!

Whew!

2011-09-11T20:32:00.007-05:00

We are officially into the swing of our new school schedule. The last two weeks have been a complete blur! It has been an adjustment to say the least. Aubrey's "all day" Pre-K ends 50 minutes before the rest of school gets out, so I was having to pick her up, come home for a few minutes and then get back in the long line to pick up Austin. Huge pain. Thankfully the school started a latchkey program for that 50 minutes, so she goes to that until school gets out and I can pick them both up at the same time now. Much better! She gets to spend that time coloring or playing with toys with two of her friends who are also doing the latchkey program.

Aubrey did really well the first few days of school, and then we hit a rough patch. Long story short, she decided she didn't like going to school and would rather stay with mommy, so it has been a miserable two weeks. She was waking up crying, crying all the way to school, crying through most of school, crying at night about having to go back to school tomorrow. I think we are finally getting over that (fingers crossed). Last week she only cried when I dropped her off but quit as soon as I left, and then Friday she didn't cry at all. She (and mommy) were rewarded by going to see Winnie The Pooh at the dollar theater today. I can't tell you how incredibly frustrated I have been throughout it all, and can admit that my mommy skills lacked greatly. Here is hoping for a full week of no crying at all.

And now that they are both in school all day, I am working everyday during school hours. It has been a huge adjustment for this girl who hasn't worked daily for 8 years. I am having a hard time finding the balance between working, napping, making sure homework is done, throwing together something to eat for the kids, laundry and cleaning. I am failing miserably, but am hoping I will figure it out soon.

Fall baseball has started, and Austin is glad to be playing again after his few months off. He is still playing pitching machine, but the kids get to steal bases now. He loves that, and is doing great as usual. Last week we were even invited to fill in for a kid pitch game for a team who needed players (ages 9 & 10). He and another kid got a runner in a pickle, and executed it perfectly to get him out. I was so excited! We opted out of playing soccer this fall with the team he played for in the spring. It was just too much with two sports. He might do indoor soccer or basketball with his baseball team this winter.

We are still spending weekends (at least Saturdays) with our Red Sox friends, which come to think of it may be why I can't get the house cleaned and the laundry done. It is getting too cold to swim, so we play a lot of baseball. And by we I mean the boys. We are finally seeing temperatures that we can really enjoy being outside in without being in water. And I am really looking forward to wearing jeans and hoodies.

That is about it for this time. I would like to promise, again, that I will be better at posting, but who am I kidding??

Happy Number Eight

2011-08-27T22:59:00.002-05:00

To My Favorite Little Baseball Player,

Today you turned 8. I have so cherished these last eight years, watching you learn and grow into the wonderful little man you are. You continue to teach me about motherhood, patience, and baseball, which is your life.

You are still very much, all about baseball. You would play it non-stop if you could, and frequently get in trouble for hitting and throwing balls in the house. You check out books from the library that have anything to do with baseball, play baseball tournaments with yourself, and draw pictures of Fenway Park. You continue to amaze me at how good you are at anything and everything baseball. So good that the two best teams in our division begged you to play for them. I get chills watching you play.

You love books and are getting into Harry Potter. You and Daddy have started reading the Series, and you love it. You are now almost done with the third book. We all look forward to watching each movie after you finish each book. You love to play on the computer, and can spend hours playing baseball (what else?) or Poptropica with your sister. You also love to play board games, and beat mommy most every time. You are almost as competitive as I am, and I admire this quality in you. You love Bay Blades too, and we all like to have competitions to see whose Bay Blade will win.

You are such a smart little man, and you do very well in school. You are in the 3rd grade now, and love math the most. You are in the gifted and talented class at school and enjoy it as well. You make friends easily, and have lots of them. Kids are drawn to you because of your gentle and funny and sweet personality. Your daddy is still your best friend.

Your sister continues to adore you, and wants to be with you always. When you are in trouble, she is your biggest advocate asking if you can get out of your room yet. She still calls you Nahnie, and endures baseball all day just so she can be with you. You told her that you will watch every one of her games when she plays ball next spring, and she tells everyone who asks her about baseball that you told her that.

I am thankful to God everyday for you, and look forward to watching you grow everyday. You, my Austin, are amazing. And I love you with all of my heart.

Austin at the Bowling Alley on his birthday. We had a bowling-baseball party. Daddy and Austin made the cupcakes, which were decorated like little baseballs. And then we went to a RedHawks baseball game. What a fun, perfect day.

Way Back Wednesday #38

2011-08-24T19:42:00.003-05:00

I know I have posted a picture of Austin on his first day of Pre-K before, but here is another one. He was walking towards his classroom and looked back to make sure I was still there. He looks so small...

50 Days...

2011-08-21T22:16:00.002-05:00

Of 100 degree or hotter temps.

This summer has been HOT to say the least. Today was a record breaking 50 days in a row that somewhere in Oklahoma it hit 100+ degrees. I think I am getting used to the heat, because I don't seem to be as miserable as when I first moved here. But, when the temp reaches 115, well that is just crazy. It doesn't seem to affect the kids too much, other than Aubrey asks every time we get in the car to "please turn on the air petitioner".

We have been trying to spend as much time as possible at our friend's house hanging out in their pool. Aubrey is getting braver in learning to swim and takes her floaties off to practice in the shallow end. She is doing really well. This weekend she jumped off the diving board (of course I didn't have the camera out for that).

Here is Austin practicing his flips into the water.

And Aubrey practicing her "dives".

First Day of School

2011-08-18T19:44:00.006-05:00

Today my baby girl started "big girl school". She is now in all-day Pre-Kindergarten. I thought it was going to be a hard day for me, but I surprisingly did well, which is a big deal for me. Because it is all about me you know. Aubrey did really well too. Austin and I walked her in to her classroom, found her cubby for her backpack and lunchbox, and then found a table for her to sit down at and watched her start to play with a new friend. She was a little clingy at first and asked that I come and check on her after I dropped Austin off. So I did, and she was still playing. We waved and blew kisses and that was it. No tears. On either part. Thankfully, she has the same Pre-K teacher that Austin had, so I knew she was in good hands. And she was all smiles when I picked her up after school, saying she had a lot of fun today.

After we dropped Aubrey off, I walked Austin to his classroom. His class is upstairs this year, which means he is now officially a "big kid" at school (sniff sniff). I forced him to hug me, watched him find his desk, waved to him ignoring me and then left. I can't believe that 4 short years ago I was dropping him off for the first time. Seems like yesterday I was bawling and hugging him until his teacher had to kick me out of the room, and then waiting and sobbing in the parking lot with my newborn Aubrey until he got out of school. Of course I blame most of that on just having had Aubrey and all of the hormonal crap I was going through.

Yea, that was it...

Aubrey's New Ride

2011-08-07T17:01:00.018-05:00

Aubrey got a bike for her birthday. She had been asking for one for months, "with training wheels", so when Grandma and Papa were here a few weeks ago we "re-decorated" Austin's old bike that he has outgrown and got it ready to surprise her with it. Because I am cheap like that. And practical really, I mean what else would we do with it? So Grandma and Papa painted his old red bike pink, and fixed it up with complete Princess Accessories including two, count them two bells, handlebar streamer thingies, and a basket. And Aunt Diane sent her the pink pads and gloves, and a really cool pink water bottle that Aubrey couldn't wait to use. Needless to say she was very excited about her "new" bike.

She was a little hesitant at first, only wanting to ride it in the house, then only in the driveway, but once we forced her out into the street there was no stopping her. And she used her bells every time a car was coming to let them know she was there. By the end of the ride she didn't want to get off, was turning complete circles in the street and was gaining enough speed to make us jog to keep up.

And Austin, who was unselfish enough to let his little sister have his old bike, was a big support in her first ride-walking beside her, encouraging her, and giving her gentle pushes when she needed it. My prayer is that he is always there doing the very same in every endeavor of her life.

I sure love my kids.

Way Back Wednesday #37

2011-08-03T10:15:00.006-05:00

Austin and Aubrey, August 2007. Aubrey was just two weeks old, and Austin was about to be four. What a proud big brother. And a handsome one.

4 Years Old!!!

2011-07-31T23:37:00.006-05:00

To my bestest little friend,

Today you turned 4. What a beautiful, smart, independent little girl you are. I continue to be amazed by how fast time goes, and how fast you are growing up in front of my eyes. You will be starting pre-k in a few short weeks, confirming that you are a big girl now and no longer my little baby.

You are still such a head strong person, not doing anything you don't want to do until you are ready to do it. And although this makes me crazy and causes many power struggles in our house, I admire this quality in you and hope that you never lose it. You are cautious and hesitant to try new things, but then jump in head first when you figure out you like something. Your giggle is intoxicating, and I so much enjoy our bedtime giggle-a-thons. You love to have your back scratched, and so often will use this as an excuse to not go to sleep for "just one more minute".

You are such a smart girl who loves to read books and add numbers, and you know how to write all of your letters and all of our names. You love playing on the computer, and can play your games all by yourself. You love to color and draw, and LOVE music and singing and dancing. You are a big fan of the water and are learning to swim without your floaties, after much coaxing from us. You also love your favorite shows on your favorite channel, PBS Sprout.

You continue to love and worship your Nahnie, and want to play with him all the time. Which means you mostly play baseball in some form or another. You are his biggest advocate; when he is in trouble and sent to his room, you continue to ask if he can get out. You are becoming more social and letting others into your world instead of "ignoring" everyone around you. You make friends easily and enjoy playing with others, but your Nahnie is your favorite friend.

You love the "man in the mask" movie (The Lone Ranger), and when daddy tells you that you are a dirty dog, you say "no I'm not because I like man in the mask". You also like Rocky, and are getting into Harry Potter as well. Daddy reads the Harry Potter books to you and Austin every night.

I am so lucky that I get to be your mommy. You are my best little friend, and I love you more every day. God truly blessed us when He chose you for our family. Happy Birthday my little Aubrey.

Way Back Wednesday #36

2011-07-27T20:09:00.007-05:00

So I know when I started this Way Back Wednesday thing it was supposed to be weekly with the hopes that I would at least post, you know, weekly. I will try to do better...

Aubrey 2 yrs ago, right after her 2nd birthday. Hard to believe she is going to be 4. And starting school. My little princess.

One Project Down...

2011-07-12T08:06:00.005-05:00

So I think I mentioned that we started a project in the front yard (in April...we move pretty slow around here). A friend of mine over-heard me say we wanted to get rid of the holly bushes in front of our house, and proclaimed that she and her mom could come and "rip those right out no problem". So they came. And they ripped. And they hooked up a tow line to their truck, thinking they would just pop right out and into the back of the truck. I panicked about my yard being torn up. I panicked about breaking a window. I panicked. And when the rope broke, and then kept slipping off the bush ripping all the leaves along the way but leaving the huge stumps, I panicked some more. So when the 'popping them right out" didn't work, they took a saw and cut them all off at the base. And then left.

Nine huge stumps in all. It took Brian and I several hours, a pick ax and two broken shovels to get the bleepin' things out. But we did it. And after saving up a bit at a time, we got our patio put in, some chairs out there, and some planters that still need to be filled. But a huge improvement don't you think?

Before.

During. These are the 9 huge stumps. I wish I would have taken a picture of an actual stump once it was dug out. They were twice the size of a basetball.

After.

And, while we were at it, we cut some branches off our magnolia tree to be able to fit a bench and my pooh bird bath under it. The kids love it.

Swimming

2011-07-10T22:07:00.007-05:00

When not playing baseball, we have tried to spend as much time in a pool as possible. On my days off I have been hitting up friends with pools to hang out, and on the weekends we spend a lot of time at our Red Sox friends' house who just so happen to have a pool. I believe it really is the only way to enjoy the Oklahoma heat. And get a good tan as well...

Here is Austin showing off some of his version of "extreme sports" swimming.

And here is Aubrey, ready to go in and watch her 'show' (PBS Sprout, she thinks it is a show and not a televisions channel). "Mommy it is hot out here!"

More Baseball, What Else?

2011-07-09T20:34:00.030-05:00

A lot of baseball has happened since my last update. Austin was asked to play in two more tournaments; one with the same team as the first (Raptors), and one with another team (Bulldogs). He has had the opportunity to play different infield positions and decided he really likes playing shortstop. And, both teams have asked Austin to play for them next year.

Tournament ball is fun, but oh so hot!! I am learning the tricks of the trade to keep cool and keep from buying a ton of stuff from concessions (freezing recycled water bottles to keep in a cooler in the car, mister spray fans, fold out chairs to keep from sitting on the 'burn your butt bleachers', coolers with ice water/rags, snacks from home, a ton of sunscreen). It has been a lot of fun. But seriously, summer in Oklahoma? I'm melting...

The Red Sox finished up the season in 3rd place. Not too shabby considering we had a legally blind kid on our team, and a few kids who had never held a bat. This week was the end of season tournament, which the Red Sox didn't play in. There are only about 3 of us from the team who are fanatics about baseball and wanted to play, so we joined other teams who needed players. Austin played with the Bulldogs, who actually ended up winning our division.

Today's temps topped 109 degrees, and the first game of the day went into extra innings with Austin scoring the tying run with a head first slide at home plate. Beautiful. Do you think I had my camera out? Nope. We won the game to send us to the Championship game. Against the Raptors, who came in second in our division. Poetic isn't it? I would like to say we won the Championship, but alas, we didn't. Our boys were spent. But Austin played some stellar ball, and his second place trophy looks pretty good on his shelf.

We have definitely decided not to coach next year. This spring was the end of our Red Sox team. I am sad, and a little relieved. We feel like Austin would learn more from a coach who is not his daddy (who it is too easy to argue with and not listen to), and needs to be on a team with other kids who are as good as he is or better. So now I am trying to convince Brian that he needs to coach Aubrey in T-ball next year. Aubrey has decided (as of right now) she is going to play ball next year, mostly because Austin has told her that he will watch every game. So when she talks about playing, she says "and Nahnie says he will watch every game I play". What a good big brother...

So anyway, we have decided we (and by we I mean Austin) are going to play for one of the teams who wants him. They do a lot of tournament play during the year in addition to the regular season games, and we really like the coaches. And Austin has already corrupted his new teammates to wear their pockets out, which is Austin's trademark-stolen from Manny Ramirez. It was a hard decision, because both teams are so welcoming and the coaches are wonderful, but in the end it was about who Austin wanted to play for. So...Austin is now a Bulldog.

Austin in his Bulldog uniform, with his second place trophy. Seems weird not to see him in Red Sox stuff.

On Wheels

2011-07-01T22:20:00.023-05:00

Austin was invited to another skating party this weekend. I think this one made three. He is getting pretty good at skating, although he is easily discouraged after falling on his backside repeatedly. I learned my lesson from the last time we went roller skating and kept my street shoes on. Austin talked Brian into putting on some skates and getting out on the floor, and truthfully it didn't take much talking into. I think Brian was pretty excited to show off his moves. He had more fun than Austin did. Maybe you really can go back...

Brian showing off on his skates.

Austin, getting the hang of things, before bruises.

Whoa! On his way down...

Pouting. Ouch.

Even Aubrey put some skates on and tried it. I was impressed at how well she did.

Way Back Wednesday #35

2011-06-22T20:50:00.003-05:00

Tiny Hands-February 2008

My Cute Kids

2011-06-17T20:55:00.009-05:00

We have been enduring the heat before it gets too unbearable to do anything but sit and sweat, and have braved the zoo a few times. We also took in a Red Hawks game last week with some friends, which resulted in a sunburn for mommy, much whining from the kids, and Aubrey throwing up. It is not a ballgame with the Millers until someone pukes.

Side bar: One of Austin's first Red Sox games down in Texas resulted to him throwing up in the isle after one too many peanuts and high fives. And Aubrey has thrown up on me at a Red Sox game, and I am pretty sure a different Red Hawks game as well. Maybe we should rethink going to watch baseball other than Austin's games...

Anyway, I think she got too hot and drank her drink too fast, and got sick. But she was fine after that, with a little shade. We have also been swimming several times with plans to go as often as possible as it is our favorite summer-time activity. I will have to be sure to take some pics of the kids in the pool soon.

Austin and Aubrey at the zoo, in the elephant exhibit. We have a new baby elephant at our zoo, which has been fun to go and visit.

Austin and Aubrey at the Red Hawks game. Hot!!!

Way Back Wednesday #34

2011-06-15T10:55:00.010-05:00

June 2009-Austin's second year of T-Ball. Can't believe how much he has grown.

Homerun!!

Grrrr...

2011-06-09T10:33:00.001-05:00

'Mean eyes' staring contest. Not sure who won.

Way Back Wednesday #33

2011-06-08T10:42:00.003-05:00

April 2009-Austin reading to Aubrey. I can tell Aubrey is tired in this picture, because she always picks at her upper lip when she is tired. She always has. She even does it in her sleep. What beautiful little people I have.

Warning: Baseball May Be Hazardous To Your Health

2011-06-06T09:38:00.004-05:00

Or at least to your face.

In our game last week Austin was trying to field a ground ball and it took a bad hop, right into his face. You can sort of see the outline of the baseball seams in his cheek. I felt bad for him, after I finished yelling for him to get the ball and finish the play. Which was already stopped by the umpire because of his injury. What a caring, sympathetic mom I am.

In other baseball news, Austin was asked to play in a tournament this weekend with another team in our division. They needed a good ballplayer to help out their team, and so the head coach called Brian to ask if Austin could play. That is just how good he is. And Austin didn't disappoint. He did great and we had a good time. So proud of my little ball player. I think Brian really enjoyed it because he didn't have to coach and could just watch the ballgame. And pace on the outside of the field, instead of on the inside.

Not a Girly Girl

2011-06-04T22:15:00.010-05:00

I forgot to mention in my last post that also in the last 3 weeks I have learned to french braid Aubrey's hair. This might not seem like a big deal to anyone but me, but for those of you who know me well (or at all), you know that I am not really much of a hair or nails or primpy kind of girl. Most of the time I throw on a hat and go. And poor Aubrey's hair spends most of its days in a pony tail. I thought I was getting fancy when I was able to get her hair into TWO even pony tails. Thankfully, Aubrey is not much of a girly girl thus far either, and couldn't care less what her hair looks like. But isn't it cute? And, today I even managed to french braid my own hair to where it looked pretty decent. Wonders never cease.

Aubrey watching her brother play some baseball.

Still Busy

2011-06-03T14:48:00.005-05:00

Here we go again...

In the last three weeks:

-We have almost finished up our front patio project and I must say it looks pretty nice. All that is left is to buy some patio furniture, so I am ever on the look-out for a good, CHEAP bargain. I will be so excited when it is all done and I can sit out there and enjoy it. I will post before and after pics when it is totally finished. The motivation for starting in the backyard has dwindled with the 90 degree heat. Maybe this fall...

-Austin finished up soccer. He had a blast and improved so much over the short 8 weeks. AND, his team finished first in the division. Go Sharks!

-Austin completed the 2nd grade with flying colors, and is looking forward to 2+ months off of fun and relaxation. And baseball. He did really well in school this year, as expected, and I have already found out who his 3rd grade teacher is and have heard nothing but wonderful things about her. So we are looking forward to another good school year. Just not quite yet, I am going to try and savor this summer!

-Aunt Diane came for a visit! It had been a year since we had seen her, and the kids were so excited. Especially Austin who has always had a soft spot for his Aunt Diane. We took her to the Science Museum, the Zoo, and swimming with our friends. The kids loved her being here and were sad to see her go. Especially Aubrey, who was completely out of it when she left sobbing "I want her! Is she going to come back on Friday or Saturday or Monday?" (which seem to be the days she likes the most as she asks if everything is going to happen on those days). Anyway, they bonded. And we are looking forward to the next time.

Aubrey and Austin with their Auntie D.

Way Back Wednesday #32

2011-05-18T10:51:00.002-05:00

Here is Aubrey at almost 2 years. How adorable is she in her pink Chuck Taylors? We had went for a walk and she spent a lot of time splashing in puddles.

Good Grief

2011-05-13T18:43:00.043-05:00

Okay, so I maybe have a little bit of catching up to do, maybe. Just a little. I really have no good excuse other than the old stand by's...busy with school, baseball, soccer, work, yard, laundry, cleaning, dishes, playing, TV watching...

Anyway, here are the highlights of the last few weeks (month):

-Easter went off without a hitch. We dyed eggs with our good friends again, and every ones' fingers were a different shade of pastel. That rascally Easter Bunny left clues and eggs all over our house on Easter morning leading to Easter baskets filled with candy and books and crayons and toys. What a fun Easter bunny we have.

Austin and Aubrey at church.

It is hard to believe that this was them two short years ago...

-Spring sports are going well. Soccer is almost over (thank the Good Lord). We have one game left which we will play tomorrow. Austin has really enjoyed it, and gets better every game. And has even gotten a few goals, to which no other parent could rival the level of screaming this mom did for him. For our last practice we had a "family game"; parents against kids. I would like to say that as parents, we took the higher ground and let the kids win even though it really was no challenge and we could have beat them with our hands tied behind our backs, but in reality, we got our out of shape butts whooped up on. I can't really recall the end score (6-2ish), all I know is that there was a lot of sweating, swearing, and standing around on the parents' part. I am thinking that the "family game" would be better played at the beginning of the season...maybe I wouldn't have yelled so much at Austin during the games if I had know how hard it is to play soccer. Maybe.

-Baseball is going well. Austin continues to amaze me with his talent and love of the game. We are 4 and 2. We got some 'new to us' players this year, a few of which have never played the game, seen a baseball, held a glove, watched a game, heard of baseball. And who may or may not be legally blind. I am not kidding. It has been an adventure to say the least...

-We have been doing a crazy amount of yard work (crazy amount for us, minimal for other home owners) and are in the middle of a project in the front yard. It all started when a friend of mine thought it would be really cool to come and tear out our holly bushes after I had mentioned that I hate them. So she came with a truck, and a rope and her parents, thinking we could just tie the rope around them and pull them out. Needless to say, after broken ropes and tire marks in the yard, and a lot of digging, chopping and more swearing, the holly bushes are indeed (finally) out. And in their absence are 9, count them 9 (!) huge holes where the gargantuan stumps were, and a big patch of dirt we hope to turn into a front patio. We now just have to find the time/energy/money to complete the project. This would be a fun project for most, but for us it has been a major ordeal. And in doing this little bit of outdoor work, I have been getting inspired and excited to do something to the backyard. So I have started making plans for back there, although it is a complete jungle and scares the be-jezuz out of me. And by jungle I mean something out of animal kingdom. For real...after a heavy rain this week we discovered our gutters were completely blocked up, so Brian decided it was time to clean out our gutters because it hadn't been done in a year or three. He went in the backyard to climb up onto the roof, and got sprayed by a skunk. A damn skunk! And...we have been told we have poison ivy back there. On the plus side of a completely untouched wild kingdom of a backyard, we have a birds nest with a momma bird and her eggs, which has been fun to watch. I am just waiting to go back there and find a snake, or an alligator or a bear. I daydream of HGTV coming in to rescue us from our backyard nightmare...

-We recently made our trip to the annual coin show. Brian's dad and his wife were in town for the event, so we got to spend some quality time with them hanging out, eating good food and buying coins. My son and husband are such nerds; they had a ball making lists of what to buy, how much they wanted to spend, and then spending all of Austin's money on pennies and nickles he needed for his collection. He got a good deal on his finds, mostly because he is so damn cute, and partly because he found the one Red Sox coin dealer who was willing to let him have coins for next to nothing.

So there you are, caught up on the Miller's again. I would like to say I promise it won't be this long before I post again, but who am I kidding. History repeats.

Secrets and Ladybugs

2011-05-09T13:43:00.007-05:00

Aubrey telling her big brother a secret.

There is just something so facinating about a ladybug...

Way Back Wednesday #31

2011-04-20T09:36:00.003-05:00

At the park two years ago this month. Still can't get over how fast the kids grow.

Summer is Coming!

2011-04-19T21:41:00.009-05:00

So I guess it is about time for another Miller Family Household update. We have been enjoying the warm weather and longer evenings around here, although with that comes my allergies which causes me the dilemma of either being doped up/passed out on Benadryl, or sneezing continuously for several minutes at a time and so stuffed up I can't breathe. Ahh the joys of spring...

We have been staying pretty busy between baseball, soccer, school, work, chores etc... I am excited there are only 4 weeks left of soccer, which really has been a lot of fun. However, it is very time consuming with practice two nights a week and games every Saturday, and after every game I am hoarse from yelling so much. Who knew soccer could be so exciting? Baseball runs through June, and we of course love every minute of it. Aubrey assures me that she will play baseball "on a team" next year. Some of Austin's teammates have siblings Aubrey's age, so we might get a Red Sox 'B team' going next spring.

I got Aubrey enrolled for all day Pre-Kindergarten next year. She will be going to "big girl" school with Austin in the fall. Not sure how I am going handle this. After taking Austin to his first day of school, I came home and told Brian that he was going to have to take Aubrey because it was just too hard. Brian said if he had to take her, she was never going to go...

We have lots of projects on our to do list for this summer around the house and yard. Here's to hoping my Miller Family Update in the fall will include a completed list of said projects. If nothing else, we are hoping to get in a lot of pool time, tennis and baseball playing, hanging out with good friends and maybe taking in a few Red Hawks games. Happy Spring everyone!

Aubrey enjoying the leaves that I hadn't yet raked up.

Way Back Wednesday #30

2011-04-13T09:17:00.003-05:00

Doing some shopping with my little diva.

She was barely a year old.

What a doll...

Yet Another Sport

2011-04-09T22:42:00.001-05:00

The kids have recently taken to tennis. As if Baseball and Soccer aren't enough. Brian really likes tennis and so therefore has gotten the kids interested in it too. We (and by we I mean Brian and Austin) have been watching it on TV, and have taken the kids to play a few times since the weather has been so nice. And last weekend we even went to a professional men's tennis match here in the city. I have never been good at tennis; I have a little problem with control. I tend to hit more balls over the fence than I do in. A frustrating sport really. I try not to play around the kids. They learn too many new words.

Austin is getting pretty good. He is already better than his mommy. Which isn't really saying much.

What a good tennis stance. She's a natural.

And she even hits about one out of 20. Not too bad...

Way Back Wednesday #29

2011-03-30T07:09:00.000-05:00

Austin and his very first Dinosaur. This is what probably started his love of all things Jurassic. This little dinosaur would shake and giggle when you pulled the string. Austin loved it. He was 4 months old in his picture.

My Little Athlete

2011-03-27T09:59:00.022-05:00

Austin in his Baseball uniform.

What a handsome ball player. His first at bat of the year was an inside the park homer. This mom almost went horse from cheering so loud!

Austin in his soccer uniform.
We have been very busy between the two sports with practices and games, but Austin is having a blast. And he is getting better at soccer with every kick. He scored three goals in his game yesterday. He was so excited he didn't even notice that he had lost all feeling in his body from the sub degree temperatures he had to play in. (The TV said it was in the low 50's, I am sure it was cold enough to freeze burning hot lava.)

Overheard

2011-03-26T22:11:00.005-05:00

This is the conversation I overheard in the car today.

Austin: Aubrey, are you ever gonna date a Yankee fan?

Aubrey: No.

Austin: Are you ever gonna marry a Yankee fan?

Aubrey: NOOOO!!!

Austin: Will you ever marry a Cubs' fan?

Aubrey: Do we like the Cubs?

Austin: Yea, they are okay.

Aubrey: Then okay.

Now you know what the standards are in this house. The Yankee hating runs deep...

Way Back Wednesday #28

2011-03-23T07:04:00.000-05:00

Just a girl and her horse.

Aubrey at 6 months.

Spring Break

2011-03-18T19:54:00.019-05:00

This week was spring break. I had big plans I tell you, big plans. We were going to go to the zoo, play some baseball, go on hikes. And by hikes I mean walk from the car to the counter at Braum's to order ice cream. The weather was nice, the sun was shining, I had three whole days off of work. And my ankle was the size of a watermelon.

Let me back track a little and share that I joined a gym. Again. Don't know how much you all know about my gym memberships in the past, but let me start by staying there have been many. And by many I mean three. And this means that three different times I have had to make that shameful walk to the 'representative' to cancel my gym membership because I have not been in over a year and realistically I am not coming back. No matter how much you make me feel guilty and how much you tell me about what great deals you can offer me. What's that? A Big Mac WHILE I work out? I would have stayed. And payed a lot more than what I was paying. I digress.

So I joined a gym. I am tired of my pants not fitting, and the scale lying to me every morning, so when the $10 a month deal rolled around I just couldn't pass that up. And I was doing really well for TWO WHOLE WEEKS. And then I pulled a Debbie as my husband would put it. Which is to say, I twisted my ankle. Again. For the 50th time at least. I would like to say it was by doing something fabulous and athletic like climbing up the rock climbing wall (which my gym doesn't have), or shooting hoops on the basketball court, (which my gym also doesn't have), or running the 10th mile of my morning run (which, lets face it, I have never ran 10 miles in a row. Not sure I have ran 10 miles in my lifetime), but no. I stepped off the treadmill. Yep, you heard me right, I stepped off of the treadmill. And twisted the old ankle. And then went down...hard. And then sat there for 20 minutes until the pain was bearable enough to limp to the car. And cried and cussed all the way home. My mother would have blushed.

So this week I have spent much of it on the couch with the foot up covered in ice packs while the kids entertained/fended for themselves. My poor littles. They were very understanding and sympathetic. Aubrey kept telling Austin to watch out for mommy's foot. What sweet children I have. I am very sad school starts again on Monday, and we didn't get to do much over spring break. Looking forward to summer break, and a foot that isn't twice its size.

The kiddos spent a lot of time on the couch like this watching their favorite TV shows. And we played a lot of Payday and Old maid. How is it that I am always the Old Maid? I think the game must be rigged....

Way Back Wednesday #27

2011-03-16T06:34:00.005-05:00

On the move.

Austin was 6 months old here, just starting to crawl. My lazy life was interrupted...

Aubrey was about 7 months when she started crawling.

My lazy life was interrupted...again.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-12T18:24:00.010-06:00

It has finally started to warm up around here. I think we topped 75 degrees this week. The grass is getting green, the trees are budding & blooming, and I am ready for warmer days and longer evenings.

Baseball has begun for Austin, we had our first practice this week. We are excited to play some ball. He is also playing soccer with his best little friend, and we are hoping it is a better learning experience than the last time. The coach (not daddy) actually played soccer in college and knows what he is doing. Austin is excited. We will be busy with soccer and baseball going on at the same time, and will probably end up missing some soccer practices due to baseball games, but it should be a fun spring. Or an exhausting one...

Way Back Wednesday #26

2011-03-02T20:07:00.005-06:00

How cute is this picture?! Aubrey was getting into Daddy's NuttyBars. She was almost a year old here. What a little doll.

Another First

2011-02-28T11:14:00.009-06:00

Aubrey got her first 'real' haircut yesterday. She has been needing one for at least 2 years, but has refused to let us take her to get one, crying when we brought it up saying she was scared. We tried once about a year ago, it wasn't pretty. She sat in the chair and immediately started screaming and crying. The hair lady was going to continue by holding her down, which made matters worse, for me anyway. I decided getting her haircut wasn't worth the trauma so we left.

She has let me cut her bangs a few times (once a little too short) so she can at least see where she is going, and has no problem with that. We have been talking to her about going to get a haircut again or the last few weeks, and finally convinced her to try it again. She did super. She had to hold her daddy's hand the whole time, but she sat still and didn't cry and then got a sucker and a silly band prize for being such a big girl from the hair stylist. What a big girl. She has decided that getting her haircut is fun.

Now to try and convince her to see the dentist...

Holding daddy's hand.

How does it look?

Way Back Wednesday #25

2011-02-16T22:52:00.004-06:00

Well, it's official. Pitchers and catchers have reported and the baseball season is upon us once again. Austin will be starting baseball in a few short weeks as well, and is getting excited to get back into the swing (no pun intended) of playing ball. I am trying to convince Aubrey to play this summer too as she is just barely old enough to play T-ball, but I am thinking we will have to wait another year. Or two. We shall see...

Austin's first year playing T-Ball

Summer 2008

Way Back Wednesday #24

2011-02-09T11:32:00.003-06:00

Austin is definitely my boy, he loves his ranch dressing! Even strait out of the cup.

He was almost 2 yrs old in this picture.

Carving the Valentine Pumpkin

2011-02-04T20:00:00.002-06:00

So we have had to be creative around here to come up with things to keep the kids entertained during our snow day break from civilization. I have to give the kids credit, they have gotten along pretty well and have done a good job at keeping themselves busy for the most part so mommy could be lazy and do nothing. They have played a lot of games, had Nerf basketball tournaments, watched some TV, and today they even played "house". They were excited to come tell me that they got married and had two babies (both girls, named Stella and Sarah; don't ask me where they come up with these things). They pretended to take them to the zoo and the park and even to the doctor. I got to be the doctor when the babies needed a shot because they had "caught a fever". Poor babies.

We have also been playing on the computer...A LOT. Austin recently told us about a computer game called Poptropica. We are all addicted. It is an adventure game on the Internet that he learned about at school. You have to find lost objects, solve puzzles and rescue characters to win medallions and move on to the next level. I am amazed at how well both Austin and Aubrey do, they have much better memories than I which is important in playing the game. It has become a nightly ritual to play an hour or so of Poptropica.

And, I am embarrassed to say that we finally carved our pumpkin. That's right, our pumpkin from Halloween. Austin has been asking for months (well, for four months to be exact) to carve the pumpkin we bought for Halloween that we never got around to carving. Before you judge me, we did paint pumpkins for Halloween, just never got around to carving the one we bought for that. Austin would always remember to ask about 5 minutes before bedtime or right as we were walking out the door. In November we were going to do a Turkey pumpkin, and then a Christmas themed one last month, but we just never got around to it. I am surprised the thing didn't rot. But it didn't.

Austin and Aubrey cleaning out the pumpkin.

I wouldn't be telling you now, except look how cute it turned out.

We may have to save a pumpkin again this year...

Snow Weeks

2011-02-03T20:15:00.019-06:00

So we are on day #3 of snow days with a confirmation of #4 tomorrow (and we actually have snow this time!). And...we are supposed to be getting more snow next week? What happened to global warming?

The kids haven't been out of their pj's since Tuesday. Neither have I. What is the point really? We did all bundle up on Tuesday morning (day #1) to go out and play in the snow. Aubrey wanted to make a snow angle. Until she got out there, then she decided it was too cold to lay down in the snow. So we laughed, we played, we made tracks in the snow and then 2 minutes later we were in the house with hot chocolate. We just aren't equipped with the gear for snow day playing around here, no moon boots or snow suits that take hours to put on and take off...
We did the best we could with what we had to work with; each kiddo had three pair of pants on, two pair of socks, three shirts and two coats. I am actually surprised that they got cold. Okay, maybe it was me.

Look at all the snow we got!

Aubrey trying to wade through the drift.

My frozen littles.

It is hard to believe that just Saturday we took the kids to the zoo. And didn't need coats.

Way Back Wednesday #23

2011-02-02T08:57:00.000-06:00

Aubrey finding her toes, November 2007. She was about 3 mos old here. Such focus.

Such flexibility.

The Next Food Network Star

2011-01-30T20:31:00.019-06:00

Austin made us all breakfast the other morning. He loves to cook with his daddy, which is nice since I spend as much time as I can trying to avoid the kitchen. They made omelets (and grits of course, we are in the south you know).

Sidebar: I had never had grits before moving down here, even though it has always been one of Brian's favorite breakfast items. I don't think you can get them in Wyoming. I kind of like them. I also had not ever had fried okra, which I must say is one of my favorite vegetables now. It does count as a vegetable right? I still have yet to try waffles and fried chicken (together), but hear it is pretty good soul food.

Anyway, Brian made the first one while Austin took notes, and then Austin made the rest for everyone with only a little guidance from daddy. I must say, it was the very best cheese omelet I have ever tasted. I am not biased at all. Not even a little bit. What a proud little man we had.

Cracking the eggs.

Aubrey helping her big brother.

Plating the omelet.

YUMMY!!

Way Back Wednesday #22

2011-01-26T09:26:00.003-06:00

Austin's first day of school, August 2007. He was starting Pre-K. Can't believe how fast the last 3 years have gone, and how much he has grown. So proud of my little man!

Way Way Back Wednesday

2011-01-19T13:50:00.009-06:00

Here is my adorable husband at about 18 mos old-ish. What a handsome little guy.

And here is Aubrey at around the same age. I think Aubrey kind of looks like her daddy a little bit. I am sure she gets her orneriness from him. Can't be from me.

Happy New Year

2011-01-16T22:06:00.011-06:00

It seems like every time I post lately I am apologizing for being away for so long! My plan for the new year is to post more often, but then that was my plan last year and that didn't always work out did it? I was going to do a post all about my New Year's Resolutions, but that would just be a repeat of years past with a few added ones, so I won't bore you with those. Note to self: although people say that writing down your goals and sharing them with others is a good way to be held accountable to them, it has done nothing in helping me achieve mine. Sigh.

We have been busy getting back in our routine after Christmas. My house is still a wreck, and the Christmas decorations may still be up although I have quit letting the kids turn the tree on for fear the neighbors may see. Some day soon I hope to have it all put away for another year. I always feel a big let down after Christmas; there is so much anticipation and excitement leading up to the holiday and then it is over before I know it. The weeks are starting to blur again, and we are now looking forward to Spring Break and another week off. We have had some beautiful days mixed in with some very frigid ones, and even had some snow. The kids were excited and spent a few minutes trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues until they got too cold. They never would survive in Wyoming. And anymore, I am pretty sure I wouldn't either. I have been away too long...

The kids trying to catch the random snowflakes.

Snowflake in Aubrey's hair.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T21:38:00.039-06:00

Wow, Christmas is over?! It came in a whirlwind and left just as quickly, leaving my house in sad disarray. But boy was it ever fun. The kids are still overwhelmed, jumping back and forth to each new toy screaming "play with me, play with me" as if on 'repeat'.

Austin started Christmas vacation much like every holiday started in my house growing up...sick. When I went to his school for his Christmas party the Friday before break and he couldn't even eat any of the goodies, I knew he didn't feel good. That and he was so hot I didn't have to take his temperature to know he was running one. So we left and immediately went to the doctor and learned that he had the H1N1 flu virus, and it quickly spread like wild fire through the house. Thankfully I only ended up with a cold, probably because I am the only one who got a flu shot this year (thanks to my work who was giving them out free on a day I happened to be there). We were trying to get healthy before my mom and dad got here, as they also did not get the flu shot. My dad did end up going home with a cold, which was inevitable I guess.

Here are the highlights of our Christmas season in no particular order, some I have pictures of, most I do not:

1. Watching both of the kids' Christmas programs, which I sobbed uncontrollably through. Aubrey's school put on a music program where she sang 3-4 'choreographed' songs. And Austin was in our church's production of the Back to the Manger, the Children's Christmas musical. We spent so much time at rehearsals we all knew all of the songs by heart, including Aubrey. Well, mostly by heart. I just love to hear Up on the Housetop and Gloria, in Chelsey's Stable over and over. Here is a little private production of one of the songs for your viewing pleasure.

2. Making Gingerbread houses. This is the first time we had ever done this, and we really enjoyed it, my parents included.

The masterpieces

3. Playing scrabble with my mom while munching on chips and my grandma's famous clam dip, a tradition in my family. I may or may not have whooped her booty...twice. She may or may not have whooped my booty the same number of times.

4. Watching Christmas movies. And then laughing every time my kids say "you serious Clark?".

5. Watching my children open up Christmas presents.

6. Playing Hungry Hippo and laughing until I almost peed my pants.

7. Watching Austin walk around in Papa's boots.

8. Exchanging gifts with our best friends and sharing more laughter and stories and good food.

9. Playing games until late in the night, which is our plan for tonight as well.

10. Visiting Santa, who just happens to be a Red Sox fan. We love to talk baseball with him every year. We have been visiting the same Santa since Austin's second Christmas, so all of the pictures of the kids are with him. Which is pretty cool I think. And the kids like to ride the Christmas train after they talk to St. Nick.

And, as it is appropriate and fitting every year, I will refer you here for a little Christmas poetry.

Happy New Year to you all!

My Little Helpers

2010-12-10T21:15:00.006-06:00

We are almost ready for Christmas around here. The house is cleaned-well sort of, the presents are bought-um...mostly, the cards are done (and by done I mean purchased and waiting to be addressed and stamped and mailed), and the tree is up and decorated. And thanks to my two cute helpers, the bottom half of the right front part of the tree is especially full of ornaments. Er, it was anyway. You know as well as they do that I "adjusted" a few...ahem...most...okay...all of the ornaments after they were done. Just to even things out a little. You know, so all of their ornaments could be properly presented and seen at every angle. Yes, I do have a problem.

Way Back Wednesday #20

2010-12-08T09:55:00.003-06:00

Santa Baby too-Aubrey's First Christmas

Way Back Wednesday #19

2010-12-01T08:38:00.005-06:00

Santa Baby-Austin's first Christmas

30 Days of Thanks, Day 30

2010-11-30T20:29:00.001-06:00

Thankful for my few faithful readers who give me the motivation to continue posting blogs (although not as often as I should usually) and for any comments you may leave. Thankful I was consistent (mostly) about posting everyday this past month. Any ideas for December?

30 Days of Thanks, Day 29

2010-11-29T20:12:00.003-06:00

Thankful most of all for God and for all of the blessings He has placed in my life, most importantly my kids, family and friends. I know I am truly blessed, and I know I need to remember that everyday no matter how much 'crap' life slings at me. Which isn't much in the grand scale of things.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 28

2010-11-28T20:04:00.001-06:00

Thankful for our church. I have never really considered us "church type people" but it has become an important part of our week over the past few years. I am thankful that we have found a place that we feel comfortable and enjoy going to worship. And thankful I was able to talk Brian into volunteering in the Sunday school with the little ones, because I think he enjoys it more than I do.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 27

2010-11-27T23:54:00.001-06:00

Thankful there is always next weekend...

30 Days of Thanks, Day 26

2010-11-26T22:16:00.001-06:00

Thankful that Christmas season has officially started, and that I had a little energy today to get some organizing done, and very hopeful it will continue the rest of the weekend so that I can get my house decorated.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 25

2010-11-25T22:24:00.002-06:00

Thankful for our Red Sox friends who have become our Oklahoma family. Without them our weekends would be boring, my house would probably be cleaner because I would be home more, but our lives would be filled with a little less laughter. And thankful that the button on my pants held out today and didn't blow under the pressure of the second piece of pie.

30 Days of Thanks, Day 24

2010-11-24T21:03:00.001-06:00

Thankful I got all of my paperwork done today so that I don't have that hanging over my head for the rest of my long weekend. Now if I could just get the housework done...